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| Megan, our daughter & neighbor heading out |
As I say these words a number of questions enter my mind, but the main question is: what kind of a wedding ceremony am I being invited to? Island weddings are complicated. They can last several days, have various ceremonies at various time of days, lasting for varying lengths of time and with various expectations on those who attend. There are men events and women events, events that can go until 2am, events with elaborate dance moves, events with lots of food, events where you have to parade around waving money, events where you just sit there...
“When is it?”
“Daytime. I’ll come and take you to it.”
I walk back into the house and realize I need to go back and clarify when “daytime” is. “11 o’clock,” she tells me. It seems an unusual time. I’ve been to afternoon events and night events, but usually midday events are for men.
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| Women stringing flowers |
Later my neighbor comes to our house. “Do you have a saluva?” (a type of traditional outer wrap). I show her my one saluva which she quickly dismisses. “We’ll make you one.” I venture to ask, “How long will I be gone?” I explain that the children will have to stay behind with their father. “You can bring the girl,” she tells me not answering my question.
Our daughter is excited. I try to lessen her expectations by warning her that we don’t know what will happen. At 11am (after a couple saluva fittings and other wardrobe tips) we are walking across town. We winded through the old part of town and eventually entered a house. It sure didn’t seem like a wedding house. There was no loud music and few people. They take us upstairs where someone is involved in food prep. They point out the bride who isn’t even fully dressed. We’re early.
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| Women singing |
So we watched everyone get ready, we ate lunch, then we got out of the way as the house was bombarded by men parading into the house led by the groom. Eventually the men left and then it was our turn to crowd into the house with the other women, pay our respects to the bride and groom and then sit down outside the couples’ room. Once all the women were gathered, they sang. They sang songs of blessing and prayer over the couple. They handed out napkins, bottled waters, samosas and the customary goodie bag with soda and candy.
So around 3pm, our friend led us back through the old town to catch a taxi home. One more wedding event under my belt, I was saying goodbye when my neighbor said, “Do you want to go to the wedding tomorrow night?”
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| Our daughter amongst the women |
PRAYERS ANSWERED
Our English club continues to go well. We’ve had several positive wedding experiences with friends here. We started homeschooling with our daughter and she loves it. We are so happy to see her love for learning! We have two colleagues visiting from one of the other islands for vacation. It is fun to have them.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Our middle son has been sick with a tummy bug but he is already getting better and now our youngest is vomiting. Please pray for their full recoveries and that the rest of us won’t get sick. Continue to pray for healing for Megan’s back. A family that works of Volcano island is leaving the islands on Monday after several difficult situations-- pray for their transition off the islands and for their processing of all that is happened.
